Low power warning in a portable communication device based on predicted device utilization

ABSTRACT

A system and method for providing a low power warning in a portable communication device based on predicted device utilization. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise monitoring power utilization for a portable communication device. A power utilization profile may be determined based, at least in part, on the results of the power utilization monitoring. Power availability for the portable communication device may be determined. Future power need for the portable communication device may be predicted based, at least in part, on the determined power utilization profile. The predicted future power need and the determined power availability may be analyzed to determine whether to generate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage. If it is determined that a potential future power shortage warning should be generated, such a warning may be generated. Such a warning may, for example, be generated in accordance with user specifications.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority fromprovisional patent application Ser. No. 60/585,187, filed Jul. 1, 2004,and entitled “LOW POWER WARNING IN A PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE BASEDON PREDICTED DEVICE UTILIZATION,” the contents of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Users of portable electronic devices (e.g., portable communicationdevices) utilize the devices differently at different points throughoutthe day, week, etc. For example, a user may utilize a cellular phone orportable email device a relatively small amount in the office and arelatively large amount during the two hours immediately after leavingwork. The user may, for example, also utilize a portable communicationdevice relatively little in the middle of the night and at relativelymoderate levels the hour prior to arriving at work. Further for example,a user may utilize a portable communication device differently ondifferent types of days (e.g., workdays, weekend days, holidays,Wednesdays, etc.) Accordingly, consumption of energy in a portablecommunication device may vary according to a particular user's usecharacteristics, and such use characteristics may vary according to dayand time of day.

Additionally, users may restore energy (e.g., by charging) to a portablecommunication device differently. For example, a first user maytypically restore energy from an automobile charger during a dailycommute to work, while a second user may typically restore energy fromam office charger during the first hour of the work morning. Also, auser may restore energy to a portable communication device differentlyon different days. For example, a user may utilize a car charger on thedrive to work every weekday morning and utilize a desktop charger athome during the weekends. Accordingly, restoration of energy in aportable communication device may vary according to a particular user'senergy restoration routine.

Users of portable communication devices often run out of finiteelectrical power (or energy). Users of portable communication devicesalso often find themselves in situations where they cannot access enoughelectrical power to utilize their portable communication devices totheir full potential.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide a system and method forproviding a low power warning in a portable electronic device (e.g., aportable or mobile communication device) based on predicted deviceutilization, substantially as shown in and/or described in connectionwith at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in theclaims. These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of thepresent invention, as well as details of illustrative aspects thereof,will be more fully understood from the following description anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method for providing a low power warningin a portable communication device based on predicted deviceutilization, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system that provides a low power warningin a portable communication device based on predicted deviceutilization, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary portable device that provides a lowpower warning based on predicted device utilization, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As an initial matter, the following discussion will generally includereferences to “power.” For example, the following discussion maygenerally refer to power monitoring, power prediction, power usage,power recharging, etc. It must be noted that the term “power” isgenerally utilized herein to mean either “power” or “energy” or relatedconcepts. That is, the terms “energy” and “power” may be utilizedinterchangeably herein. For example and without limitation, thefollowing discussion will refer to monitoring power, which may, invarious contexts apply equally well to monitoring power and/or energy.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention is byno means to be limited by characteristics of, or differences between,the concepts of “power” and “energy” or related concepts.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method 100 for providing a low powerwarning in a portable electronic device (e.g., a portable communicationdevice) based on predicted device utilization, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention. The exemplary method 100 maybegin at step 110. The exemplary method 100 may begin for any of a largevariety of reasons. For example and without limitation, the method 100may begin when a portable communication device is powered up. Also forexample, the method 100 may begin when a user explicitly commands themethod 100 to begin. Further for example, the method 100 may begin whenavailable power for the portable communication device drops below athreshold. Still further for example, the method 100 may begin as afunction of historical device utilization. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited by aparticular circumstance or condition that causes the method 100 tobegin.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 120, comprise monitoring powerutilization for the portable communication device. For example andwithout limitation, step 120 may comprise monitoring power consumptionand/or power restoration (e.g., charging or utilization of back-upenergy sources).

Step 120 may, for example, comprise monitoring power utilizationcontinuously and/or periodically. Step 120 may, for example, comprisedetermining power consumption during or after an instance of deviceusage. For example, in an exemplary scenario comprising a cellulartelephone, step 120 may comprise determining power consumption at theend of a phone call (e.g., by determining remaining power in a powersource or by estimating power usage for the phone call). In anotherexemplary scenario involving a portable email device, step 120 maycomprise determining power consumption at the end of an email messageexchange sequence. In a further exemplary scenario involving a portableInternet web surfing apparatus, step 120 may comprise monitoring and/orestimating power usage periodically (e.g., every five minutes during aweb surfing session).

Step 120 may utilize any of a variety of techniques and/or apparatus tomonitor power utilization. For example and without limitation, step 120may comprise utilizing power, voltage and/or current sensing apparatus.Step 120 may, for example, comprise monitoring power commands tocommunication circuitry to determine an indication of power utilization.Step 120 may, for example, comprise monitoring signal processingactivities (e.g., data decoding, detecting, error correcting, etc.).Step 120 may, for example, comprise monitoring transmission andreception power. Further for example, step 120 may comprise monitoringthe type of particular communication protocol and/or dataencoding/decoding strategy being utilized.

In general, step 120 may comprise monitoring power utilization for theportable communication device. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by a particular way ofmonitoring power utilization or any particular apparatus or techniquethat may be utilized to monitor power utilization.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 130, comprise determining a powerutilization profile for the portable communication device based at leastin part on results of the power utilization monitoring performed at step120. Step 130 may comprise determining a power utilization profile inany of a variety of manners. Further, the power utilization profile mayhave any of a large variety of profile characteristics.

For example and without limitation, step 130 may, for example, comprisegenerating a set of information comprising information of powerutilization versus time. A power utilization profile may, for example,comprise a data table in memory or a list of power utilizationcharacteristics. A power utilization profile may, for example, compriseinformation of power utilization as a function of time of day, day ofthe week, type of day (e.g., workday, weekend day, holiday, etc.), etc.A power utilization profile may, for example, comprise information oftimes at which power utilization is at a particular usage level. A powerutilization profile may, for example, comprise information of powersupply charging or restoration (e.g., according to time of day or typeof day). Further for example, a power utilization profile may comprise amathematical formula or other description of power utilization. Ingeneral, a power utilization profile may comprise any of a large varietyof power utilization characteristics (e.g., power usage and/orrestoration).

In general, step 130 may comprise determining a power utilizationprofile for the portable communication device based at least in part onresults of the power utilization monitoring performed at step 120.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular powerutilization profile or way of constructing such a profile.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 140, comprise determining poweravailability for the portable communication device. Step 140 maycomprise determining power availability in any of a variety of manners.For example and without limitation, step 140 may, for example, comprisemonitoring power availability for the portable communication device.Step 140 may, for example, comprise measuring remaining poweravailability in a power supply (e.g., a battery). Such measuring may,for example, comprise measuring battery voltage, current or output powercharacteristics.

Step 140 may, for example, comprise predicting battery dischargebehavior. For example, step 140 may comprise utilizing information of anexpected or predicted battery discharge profile to determine poweravailability. Such a battery discharge profile may, for example, bebased on manufacturer-supplied battery discharge information. Such abattery discharge profile may, for example, be based on batterydischarge testing results for the battery or type of battery inquestion. Such a battery discharge profile may, for example, be based onmonitored historical discharge and/or charge behavior for a particularbattery of the portable communication device. A battery dischargeprofile may, for example, be based on a table of data or may, forexample, be based on a mathematical formula or other description. Notethat a battery discharge profile may change over time (e.g., as afunction of battery usage or age, environmental conditions, etc.). Sucha change may, for example, be reflected in a discharge profile (e.g.,empirically and/or analytically).

In general, step 140 may comprise determining power availability for theportable communication device. Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular ways of determining power availability or apparatus that maybe utilized to monitor power-related characteristics.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 150, comprise predicting futurepower need for the portable communication device based at least in parton the power utilization profile determined at step 130. Step 150 maycomprise predicting such future power need in any of a variety of ways.For example and without limitation, step 150 may comprise predictingfuture power need for a predetermined time. Such a predetermined timemay, for example, be an absolute time (e.g., 6:30 PM) or a relative time(e.g., two hours from the present time).

In an exemplary scenario, step 150 may comprise predicting future powerneed for a programmed or analytically determined commuting time. Inanother exemplary scenario, step 150 may comprise predicting futurepower need for a time period from the present moment until the nexttypical recharging time. In another exemplary scenario, step 150 maycomprise predicting a future point in time at which the portablecommunication device is likely to run out of power unless recharged.Step 150 may, for example, comprise determining a point in the future atwhich predicted future power need exceeds determined power availability.

Step 150 may, for example, comprise predicting future power need in amanner commensurate with the nature of the power utilization profiledetermined at step 130. For example, in an exemplary scenario where thepower utilization profile comprises a table of time blocks versus powerutilization, step 150 may comprise summing products of time blocks andrespective power utilization. In another exemplary scenario where thepower utilization profile is characterized by a mathematical formula,step 150 may comprise solving the mathematical formula for a particulartime or set of times.

In general, step 150 may comprise predicting future power need for theportable communication device based at least in part on the determinedpower utilization profile. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular ways of predicting future power need or particular apparatusor techniques utilized for making such a prediction.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 160, comprise analyzing thepredicted future power need (e.g., as determined at step 150) anddetermined power availability (e.g., as determined at step 140) todetermine whether to generate a warning indicating a potential futurepower shortage. Step 160 may comprise performing such analysis in any ofa variety of manners.

For example and without limitation, step 160 may comprise analyzingtimes at which the portable communication device is typically recharged.In an exemplary scenario, step 160 may determine that even though theportable communication device is predicted to run out of power at 7:00PM, the portable communication device is typically charged at 6:00 PM,and thus no power warning is necessary. In the same exemplary scenario,step 160 may alternatively comprise determining that a low level warningmay still be necessary.

Step 160 may, for example, comprise analyzing margin of error in atleast one of the predicted future power need (e.g., as predicted at step150) and determined power availability (e.g., as determined at step140). Such analysis may, for example, comprise analyzing information ofvariance or certainty of the power utilization profile determined atstep 130. Such analysis may, for example, comprise determining a levelof probability that the portable communication device will run out ofpower. In an exemplary non-limiting scenario, step 130 may comprisedetermining that a power shortage certainty level within one standarddeviation (or above a particular certainty percentage threshold)warrants a low power warning, while a less certain prediction does not.

Step 160 may, for example, comprise determining a level or type ofwarning to generate. For example and without limitation, step 160 maycomprise determining a first level of warning if there is a significantchance that the portable communication device will run out of power, asecond level of warning if the portable communication device willprobably run out of power, and a third level of warning if it is highlylikely that the portable communication device will run out of power.

In general, the step 160 may comprise analyzing the predicted futurepower need and determined power availability to determine whether togenerate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage and/orto determine what type of warning to generate. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular ways of analyzing predicted future powerneed and determined power availability to determine whether to generatesuch a warning or to determine what type of warning to generate.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 170, comprise controlling the flowof the exemplary method 100 execution based at least in part on theresults of the step 160 analysis. For example, if step 170 determinesthat a warning indicative of a potential future power shortage iswarranted, then step 170 may direct method 100 flow to step 180.Conversely, if step 170 determines that such a warning is not necessary,then step 170 may direct method 100 flow to a step for continuedmonitoring and/or analysis. In a first exemplary scenario, step 170 maydirect method 100 flow back to step 120 for monitoring powerutilization. In a second exemplary scenario, step 170 may direct method100 flow back to step 140 for monitoring power availability. Note thatthe scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by a particular method step that may be performed when themethod 100 determines that a warning is not necessary or after such awarning is generated.

The exemplary method 100 may, at step 180, comprise generating a warningof a potential future power shortage. For example, if step 170determines that a potential future power shortage warning should begenerated, then step 180 may comprise generating the potential futurepower shortage warning.

The potential future power shortage warning may comprise any of avariety of warning characteristics. For example and without limitation,a warning may be visible, audible, or physical. As mentioned previously,such a warning may be characterized by a warning level. Each level may,for example, comprise an associated warning characteristic. For exampleand without limitation, a portable communication device may provide avisual indication when there is a significant chance that the portablecommunication device will run out of power, a physical indication (e.g.,vibrate) when it is probable that the portable communication device willrun out of power, and an audible indication (e.g., beep or ring) when itis highly probable that the portable communication device will run outof power.

Step 180 may, for example, comprise communicating with a user of theportable communication device to communicate power warning controlinformation. Step 180 (or other aspects of the method 100) may therebyprovide for user control of characteristics of the power warning(s). Forexample and without limitation, a user may control characteristics ofvarious warning types. A user may, for example, turn the potential powershortage warning on or off. A user may, for example, specify levels atwhich warnings should occur (e.g., probability or certainty levels). Auser may, for example, associate warning characteristics with variouswarning levels. A user may then, for example, respond to various warninglevels with various respective power conservation actions (e.g., byforcing the portable communication device into one or more variouspower-save modes). Further, in various non-limiting exemplary scenarios,the portable communication device may combine communicating warninginformation with automatically taking various power-save actions.

In general, the step 180 (or another aspect of the method 100) maycomprise communicating warning and/or warning control information with auser. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of particular warnings orparticular user communications regarding such warnings.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system 200 that provides a low powerwarning in a portable electronic device (e.g., a portable communicationdevice) based on predicted device utilization, in accordance withvarious aspects of the present invention. The exemplary system 200 may,for example and without limitation, perform various aspects of theexemplary method 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The exemplary system 200 may begin processing for any of a large varietyof reasons. For example and without limitation, the system 200 may beginprocessing when a portable communication device is powered up. Also forexample, the system 200 may begin processing when a user explicitlycommands the system to begin. Further for example, the system 200 maybegin processing when available power for the portable communicationdevice drops below a threshold. Still further for example, the system200 may begin processing as a function of historical device utilization.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by a particular circumstance or condition thatcauses the exemplary system 200 to begin processing.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power source 210. The powersource 210 may, for example, be capable of providing a relatively finitesupply of power (e.g., to the portable communication device). The powersource 210 may, for example, comprise a renewable (or rechargeable)supply of power. In one exemplary scenario, the power source 210 maycomprise a rechargeable battery. In another exemplary scenario, thepower source 210 may comprise a main and a back-up power source. Ingeneral, the power source 210 may be capable of providing a relativelyfinite source of electrical power. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular finite power source.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power utilization monitor 220that monitors power utilization for the portable communication device.For example and without limitation, the power utilization monitor 220may perform various aspects of the exemplary method 100 (e.g., step 120)illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

For example, the power utilization monitor 220 may monitor powerconsumption and/or power restoration (e.g., charging or utilization ofenergy sources and/or back-up energy sources, such as the power source210). The exemplary power utilization monitor 220 may, for example,monitor power utilization continuously or periodically (e.g., byperiodically determining remaining power). Such power utilization may,for example comprise aspects of power consumption and/or powerrestoration. The power utilization monitor may, for example, determinepower consumption during or after an instance of device usage.

For example, in an exemplary scenario comprising a cellular telephone,the power utilization monitor 220 may determine power consumption at theend of a phone call (e.g., by determining remaining power in the powersource 210 or monitoring power provided to circuits in the cellulartelephone by the power source 210). In another exemplary scenarioinvolving a portable email device, the power utilization monitor 220 maydetermine power consumption at the end of an email message exchangesequence. In a further exemplary scenario involving a portable Internetweb surfing apparatus, the power utilization monitor 220 may monitorand/or estimate power usage periodically (e.g., every five minutesduring a web surfing session).

The power utilization monitor 220 may utilize any of a variety oftechniques and/or comprise any of a variety of apparatus to monitorpower utilization. For example and without limitation, the powerutilization monitor 220 may comprise or utilize power, voltage and/orcurrent sensing apparatus. The power utilization monitor 220 may, forexample, monitor power control commands to communication circuitry todetermine an indication of power utilization. The power utilizationmonitor 220 may, for example, monitor signal processing activities(e.g., data decoding, detecting, error correcting, etc.). The powerutilization monitor 220 may, for example, monitor transmission andreception power. Further for example, the power utilization monitor maymonitor the type of particular communication protocol and/or dataencoding/decoding strategy being utilized.

In general, the power utilization monitor 220 may monitor powerutilization for the portable communication device. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular module or apparatus that monitorspower utilization.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power information database 225.Various components of the system 200 may store power-related informationand other information in the power information database 225. For exampleand without limitation, the power utilization monitor 220 may storeinformation in the power information database 225. The power informationdatabase 225 may comprise any of a large variety of databasecharacteristics. For example, the power information database 225 may belocal to the portable communication device or may be non-local andnetworked to the portable communication device. For example, the powerinformation database 225 may comprise chip memory or hard drivecharacteristics. In general, the power information database 225 maystore power-related information. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular database.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a profile development module 230that determines a power utilization profile for the portablecommunication device based at least in part on power utilizationinformation obtained by the power utilization monitor 220. The profiledevelopment module 230 may, for example and without limitation, performvarious functionality of the exemplary method 100 (e.g., step 130)illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

For example, the exemplary profile development module 230 may generate aset of information comprising information of power utilization versustime. A power utilization profile may, for example, comprise a datatable in memory (e.g., the power information database 225) or a list ofpower utilization characteristics. A power utilization profile may, forexample, comprise information of power utilization as a function of timeof day, day of the week, type of day (e.g. workday, weekend day,holiday, etc.), etc. A power utilization profile may, for example,comprise information of times at which power utilization is at aparticular usage level. A power utilization profile may, for example,comprise information of power supply charging or restoration (e.g.,according to time of day or type of day). Further for example, a powerutilization profile may comprise a mathematical formula or otherdescription of power utilization. In general, a power utilizationprofile may comprise any of a large variety of power utilizationcharacteristics (e.g., power usage and/or restoration).

The profile development module 230 may, for example, store powerutilization profile information in the power information database 225.Alternatively, for example, the profile development module 230 mayprovide such information to another module automatically or on request.

In general, the profile development module 230 may determine a powerutilization profile for the portable communication device based at leastin part on power utilization information obtained by the powerutilization monitor 220. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular power utilization profile or module that constructs such aprofile.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power availability module 240that determines power availability for the portable communicationdevice. The power availability module 240 may, for example and withoutlimitation, perform various functionality of the exemplary method 100(e.g., step 140) illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

For example, the exemplary power availability module 240 may monitorpower availability for the portable communication device. The poweravailability module 240 may determine power availability in any of avariety of manners. The power availability module 240 may, for example,measure remaining power availability for a power supply (e.g., the powersource 210). Such measuring may, for example, comprise measuring batteryvoltage, current or output power characteristics.

The power availability module 240 may, for example, predict batterydischarge behavior. For example, the power availability module 240 mayutilize information of an expected or predicted battery dischargeprofile to determine power availability. Such a profile may, forexample, be based on manufacturer-supplied battery dischargeinformation. Such a battery discharge profile may, for example, be basedon battery discharge testing results for the battery or type of batteryin question. Such a battery discharge profile may, for example, be basedon monitored historical discharge and/or charge behavior for aparticular battery of the portable communication device. A batterydischarge profile may, for example, be based on a table of data or may,for example, be based on a mathematical formula or other description.

The power availability module 240 may, for example, store poweravailability information in the power information database 225.Alternatively, the power availability module 240 may provide suchinformation to another module automatically or on request.

In general, the power availability module 240 may determine poweravailability for the portable communication device. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular module that determines poweravailability, particular manner of determining power availability, orparticular apparatus that may be utilized to monitor power-relatedcharacteristics.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a power analysis module 250 thatpredicts future power need for the portable communication device basedat least in part on the power utilization profile determined by theprofile development module 230. The power analysis module 250 may, forexample and without limitation, perform various functionality of theexemplary method 100 (e.g., steps 150-180) illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously.

The power analysis module 250 may, for example, receive information ofthe power utilization profile directly from the profile developmentmodule 230. The power analysis module 250 may also, for example, obtaininformation of the power utilization profile from the power informationdatabase 225. The scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular source of thepower utilization profile information.

The exemplary power analysis module 250 may predict future power need inany of a variety of ways. The exemplary power analysis module 250 may,for example, predict future power need for a predetermined time. Such apredetermined time may, for example, be an absolute time (e.g., 6:30 PM)or a relative time (e.g., two hours from the present time).

In an exemplary scenario, the power analysis module 250 may predictfuture power need for a programmed or analytically determined commutingtime. In another exemplary scenario, the power analysis module 250 maypredict future power need for a time period from the present momentuntil the next typical recharging time. In another exemplary scenario,the power analysis module 250 may predict a future point in time atwhich the portable communication device is likely to run out of powerunless recharged. The power analysis module 250 may, for example,determine a point in the future at which predicted future power needexceeds determined power availability.

The power analysis module 250 may, for example, predict future powerneed in a manner commensurate with the nature of the power utilizationprofile determined by the profile development module 230. For example,in an exemplary scenario where the power utilization profile comprises atable of time blocks versus power utilization, the power analysis module250 may sum products of time blocks and respective power utilization. Inanother exemplary scenario where the power utilization profile ischaracterized by a mathematical formula, the power analysis module 250may solve the mathematical formula for a particular time or set oftimes.

In general, the power analysis module 250 may predict future power needfor the portable communication device based at least in part on thedetermined power utilization profile. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular module that predicts future power needor any way of making such a prediction.

The exemplary power analysis module 250 may further analyze thepredicted future power need and determined power availability (e.g., asdetermined by the power availability module 240) to determine whether togenerate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage. Thepower analysis module 250 may, for example, obtain information of thedetermined power availability from the power information database 225.Alternatively, for example, the power analysis module 250 may obtaininformation of the determined power availability directly from the poweravailability module 240.

The power analysis module 250 may perform such analysis in any of avariety of manners. In performing such analysis, the power analysismodule 250 may, for example, analyze times at which the portablecommunication device is typically recharged. In an exemplary scenario,the power analysis module 250 may determine that even though theportable communication device is predicted to run out of power at 7:00PM, the portable communication device is typically charged at 6:00 PM,and thus no power warning is necessary. In the same exemplary scenario,the power analysis module 250 may alternatively determine that a lowlevel warning may still be necessary.

Also for example, in performing such analysis, the power analysis module250 may analyze margin of error in at least one of the predicted futurepower need and determined power availability (e.g., as determined by thepower availability module 240). In performing such analysis, the poweranalysis module 250 may, for example, analyze information of variance orcertainty of the power utilization profile (e.g., as determined by theprofile development module 230). In performing such analysis, the poweranalysis module 250 may, for example, determine a level of probabilitythat the portable communication device will run out of power. In anexemplary non-limiting scenario, the power analysis module 250 maydetermine that a power shortage certainty level within one standarddeviation (or above a particular certainty percentage threshold)warrants a low power warning, while a less certain prediction does not.

The power analysis module 250 may also, for example, determine a levelor type of warning to generate. For example, the power analysis module250 may determine to generate a first level of warning if there is asignificant chance that the portable communication device will run outof power, a second level of warning if the portable communication devicewill probably run out of power, and a third level of warning if it ishighly likely that the portable communication device will run out ofpower.

In general, the power analysis module 250 may analyze the predictedfuture power need and determined power availability to determine whetherto generate a warning indicating a potential future power shortageand/or to determine what type of warning to generate. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular module that analyzes predicted futurepower need and determined power availability to determine whether togenerate such a warning or to determine what type of warning togenerate.

The exemplary system 200 may comprise a user interface module 260 thatgenerates a warning of a potential future power shortage. The userinterface module 260 may, for example and without limitation, performvarious aspects of the exemplary method 100 (e.g., step 180) illustratedin FIG. 1 and discussed previously. For example, if the power analysismodule 250 determines that a potential future power shortage warningshould be generated, then the user interface module 260 may generate thewarning.

The potential future power shortage warning may comprise any of avariety of warning characteristics. For example and without limitation,a warning may be visible, audible, or physical. As mentioned previously,such a warning may be characterized by a warning level. Each level may,for example, comprise an associated warning characteristic. For exampleand without limitation, the user interface module 260 may provide avisual indication when there is a significant chance that the portablecommunication device will run out of power, a physical indication (e.g.,vibrate) when it is probable that the portable communication device willrun out of power, and an audible indication (e.g., beep or ring) when itis highly probable that the portable communication device will run outof power.

The exemplary user interface module 260 may, for example, communicatewith a user of the portable communication device to communicate powerwarning control information. The user interface module 260 (e.g., inconjunction with the power analysis module 250) may thereby provide foruser control of characteristics of the power warnings. For example andwithout limitation, a user may control characteristics of variouswarning types. A user may, for example, turn the potential powershortage warning on or off. A user may, for example, specify levels atwhich warnings should occur (e.g., probability or certainty levels). Auser may, for example, associate warning characteristics with variouswarning levels.

In general, the user interface module 260 may communicate warning andwarning control information with a user. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular user interface modules or user interfacecommunications, such as, for example, characteristics of warning orwarning control information communicated.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary portable electronic device 300 thatprovides a low power warning based on predicted device utilization, inaccordance with various aspects of the present invention. The exemplaryportable electronic device 300 may, for example and without limitationcomprise various aspects of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG.2 and discussed previously. Additionally, various components or modulesof the exemplary portable electronic device 300 may, for example andwithout limitation, perform various functional aspects of the exemplarymethod 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The exemplary portable electronic device 300 may, for example andwithout limitation, be or comprise a portable communication device. Theexemplary portable electronic device 300 may comprise a low powerwarning system 320. The exemplary low power warning system 320 may, forexample and without limitation, comprise various aspects of theexemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed previously.

The portable electronic device 300 may comprise a power source 310 thatprovides power (or energy) to the portable electronic device 300. Theportable electronic device 300 may comprise a transceiver 370 tocommunicate information with other electronic devices, and a userinterface module 360 to communicate information with a user of theportable electronic device 300. The portable electronic device 300 may,for example, comprise a central processor 350 and memory 340. The memory340 may, for example, comprise instructions that the central processor350 executes to perform at least portions of the functionality of theportable electronic device 300. The central processor 350 may also, forexample, utilize the memory 340 to store various information.

Various aspects of the low power warning system 320 may, for example andwithout limitation, be performed by various components of the portableelectronic device 300. For example, the central processor 350 mayperform all or a portion of the functionality of the low power warningsystem 320. In an exemplary scenario, the memory 340 may store computerinstructions that, when executed by the central processor 350 or otherprocessor, perform the functionality of various modules of the low powerwarning system 320.

For example, in an exemplary scenario where the low power warning system320 comprises aspects of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2and discussed previously, the memory 340 may store computer instructionsthat, when executed by the central processor 350, perform thefunctionality of the various modules of the exemplary system 200.

Continuing the exemplary scenario, the memory 340 may, for example andwithout limitation, comprise various aspects of the power informationdatabase 225 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 anddiscussed previously. For example, a portion of the memory 340 may bepartitioned and/or utilized for storing information of the powerinformation database 225.

Still continuing the exemplary scenario, the user interface module 360may, for example and without limitation, comprise various aspects of theuser interface module 260 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 and discussed previously. For example, the user interface module360 may generate potential future low power warnings and communicatewarning control information with a user.

Further continuing the exemplary scenario, the power source 310 may, forexample and without limitation, comprise various aspects of the powersource 210 of the exemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 anddiscussed previously. For example, low power warning system 320 maydetermine power availability based on the power source 310.

It should be noted that the method 100 and systems 200, 300 illustratedin FIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously are merely exemplary, andaccordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary method 100 andsystems 200, 300.

It should further be noted that various aspects of the present inventionmay be performed by hardware, a processor executing softwareinstructions, or a combination thereof. Various aspects of the presentinvention may be integrated into a single integrated circuit or may beimplemented using independent circuitry. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular implementation of the various aspects.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide a systemand method for providing a low power warning in a portable electronicdevice based on predicted device utilization. While the invention hasbeen described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from thescope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of theinvention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. In a portable communication device, a method for providing a lowpower warning, the method comprising: monitoring power utilization forthe portable communication device; determining a power utilizationprofile for the portable communication device based at least in part onresults of the power utilization monitoring; determining poweravailability for the portable communication device; predicting futurepower need for the portable communication device based at least in parton the determined power utilization profile; analyzing the predictedfuture power need and determined power availability to determine whetherto generate a warning indicating a potential future power shortage; andif it is determined that a potential future power shortage warningshould be generated, then generating the potential future power shortagewarning.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring power utilizationcomprises determining power consumption for an instance of portablecommunication device usage.
 3. The method of claim 1, whereindetermining a power utilization profile comprises generating a set ofinformation comprising information of power utilization versus time ofday.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining a power utilizationprofile comprises generating a set of information comprising informationof power utilization for a first type of day and power utilization for asecond type of day.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining poweravailability comprises monitoring power availability for the portablecommunication device.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determiningpower availability comprises determining power availability based atleast in part on a battery discharge profile.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein determining power availability comprises determining poweravailability based at least in part on monitored discharge behavior of aparticular battery of the portable communication device.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein predicting future power need comprises predictingfuture power need for operation until a particular time of day.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein predicting future power need comprisesdetermining a point in the future that predicted future power needexceeds determined power availability.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein analyzing the predicted future power need and determined poweravailability comprises considering times at which the portablecommunication device is typically charged.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein analyzing the predicted future power need and determined poweravailability comprises determining a level of warning to generate. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the predicted future power needand determined power availability comprises determining a probability offuture power shortage.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprisingcommunicating power warning control information with a user, whereinanalyzing the predicted future power need and determined poweravailability comprises analyzing the power warning control information.14. A system for providing a low power warning in a portablecommunication device, the system comprising: at least one module thatoperates to, at least: monitor power utilization for the portablecommunication device; determine a power utilization profile for theportable communication device based at least in part on the monitoredpower utilization; determine power availability for the portablecommunication device; predict future power need for the portablecommunication device based at least in part on the power utilizationprofile; analyze the predicted future power need and the determinedpower availability to determine whether to generate a warning indicatinga potential future power shortage; and generate a warning of potentialfuture power shortage if it is determined that a potential future powershortage warning should be generated.
 15. The system of claim 14,wherein the at least one module comprises: a power utilization monitor;a profile development module; a power availability module; a poweranalysis module; and a user interface module.
 16. The system of claim14, wherein the at least one module operates to determine powerconsumption for an instance of portable communication device usage. 17.The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one module operates togenerate a set of information comprising information of powerutilization versus time of day.
 18. The system of claim 14, wherein theat least one module operates to generate a set of information comprisinginformation of power utilization for a first type of day and powerutilization for a second type of day.
 19. The system of claim 14,wherein the at least one module operates to monitor power availabilityfor the portable communication device.
 20. The system of claim 14,wherein the at least one module operates to determine power availabilitybased at least in part on a battery discharge profile.
 21. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one module operates to determine poweravailability based at least in part on monitored discharge behavior of aparticular battery of the portable communication device.
 22. The systemof claim 14, wherein the at least one module operates to predict futurepower need for operation until a particular time of day.
 23. The systemof claim 14, wherein the at least one module operates to determine apoint in the future that predicted future power need exceeds determinedpower availability.
 24. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least onemodule operates to analyze the predicted future power need anddetermined power availability by, at least in part, considering times atwhich the portable communication device is typically charged.
 25. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the at least one module operates todetermine a level of warning to generate.
 26. The system of claim 14,wherein the at least one module operates to analyze the predicted futurepower need and determined power availability by, at least in part,determining a probability of future power shortage.
 27. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the at least one module operates to: communicate powerwarning control information with a user; and analyze the power warningcontrol information in determining whether to generate a warning.
 28. Aportable electronic device comprising a low power warning system,wherein the low power warning system comprises: at least one module thatoperates to, at least: monitor power utilization for the portableelectronic device; determine a power utilization profile for theportable electronic device based at least in part on the monitored powerutilization; determine power availability for the portable electronicdevice; predict future power need for the portable electronic devicebased at least in part on the power utilization profile; analyze thepredicted future power need and the determined power availability todetermine whether to generate a warning indicating a potential futurepower shortage; and generate a warning of potential future powershortage if it is determined that a potential future power shortagewarning should be generated.
 29. The portable electronic device of claim28, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a portablecommunication device.
 30. The portable electronic device of claim 28,wherein the portable electronic device is a portable communicationdevice.